ATS2288 · The Roman Empire in the age of Augustus

Overview

The unit examines aspects of Roman political, social, and cultural history from the crucial period of transition from Republic to Empire (ca. 59 BCE to 69 CE). It focuses on a number of powerful individuals, especially Julius Caesar and the emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty—especially Augustus, Claudius, and Nero—as well as the court that grew up around them–rivals, wives, freed slaves, bodyguards, and the sometimes resentful members of the Roman elite. We explore the life, literature, and material culture of the Roman Empire at its height. Key themes include the fall of the Roman Republic and the creation of an emperor in its place; the literature and material culture of imperial power and resistance; the rise to prominence of powerful groups like the Praetorian Guard, imperial freedmen, and provincial elites; and the realities of Roman rule in the provinces of the empire. To study imperial power and provincial identity, we explore the provinces of Britannia and Judea, examining the events and context of the bloody revolts against Roman power under Boudicca in Britannia and the Jewish-Roman War of 66 CE.

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Identify and explain the Roman political ideas of government and the manner in which these were used and manipulated by those seeking power
2. Describe the political, social, and cultural history of the Roman Empire during the period covered
3. Discuss the evolving role of the emperor during the Julio-Claudian dynasty, especially how the position was shaped by the individual personality of the incumbent and the response from across the Roman social spectrum
4. Evaluate cultural, political, military, religious, and archaeological aspects of life in the imperial provinces, especially in Britannia and Judaea
5. Analyse and evaluate the variety of ancient (documentary, archaeological, and literary) and modern sources
6. Collaborate and defend interpretations and arguments concerning the Roman Empire through group tutorial presentations and individual research

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.